ABSTRACT The ecotourism-based homestay program is often associated with the involvement of rural communities as the main driver of developing rural tourism. However, in the early stages of the establishment of homestay in Kg. Seri Serbang, there are some challenges that are forced to face by this program sponsor such as community members who are less interested in participating, less knowledge and less confident about the benefits of the homestay program. However, through support by the Ministery of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah and the Ministry of Rural Development, Sabah, homestay program was successfully introduced in this village. Community involvement in ecotourism activities has become one of the alternatives of new economic and employment activities based on ecotourism activities as well as helping meet the demand and needs of domestic and international tourists to visit this village. The main approach of this study is qualitative study. The data collection method used in this study is an in-depth interview with Participants and Homestay Committee Kg. Seri Serbang. The results showed that the local community in Kg. Seri Serbang began to show interest in participating after several individuals showed success through their involvement in the ecotourism-based homestay program. However, the challenge is still faced by most homestay participants in this kg such as competition with private accommodation operators in the area or town of Bongawan. While the issue of riverbank erosion and efforts to maintain wildlife such as monkey battle and fireflies are a big challenge for the sustainability of homestay and ecotourism programs to continue to attract tourists to this village in the future. ABSTRAK Program homestay berasaskan ekopelancongan sering dikaitkan dengan penglibatan komuniti luar bandar sebagai penggerak utama membangunkan pelancongan desa. Namun, pada peringkat awal penubuhan homestay di Kg. Seri Serbang ini terdapat beberapa cabaran yang terpaksa dihadapi oleh penaja program ini seperti ahli ...